More glimpses of lost Chicago saved on film

February 20, 2008

In response to Tempo's story about movies serving as time capsules for long-gone Chicago ("Lost Chicago, found on film," Jan. 29, by Patrick T. Reardon), dozens of readers weighed in with their own recommendations.

Their suggestions included films showing such former sights as the old concrete campus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the city's skyline in the late 1950s. But some were more personal: a now-razed building where one reader grew up, and a Union Station scene in which another reader's relatives, now deceased, can be seen among the extras.

Here's a selection of comments, edited for space:

Scott Schiave, Park Ridge: One of my favorites as a kid was "Beginning of the End," produced in 1957 and starring Peter Graves and Peggie Castle. It tells the story of radiation experiments by the Department of Agriculture in a small Illinois town that go all wrong. The result: hordes of giant killer grasshoppers that make their way to Chicago. The movie features 1950s skyline shots with the giant grasshoppers climbing the Wrigley and Prudential Buildings.

Thomas Boynton, Wheaton: Another movie with terrific street scenes of Chicago is "Thief," shot in 1980. The film starred James Caan, Robert Prosky and a young Jim Belushi. Wonderful outside shots along Lincoln Avenue (just before the yuppies of the 1980s took over the area). One street scene I can recall was shot at Belden and Lincoln Avenues. Another set of great shots took place on North Western Avenue, along the string of car dealerships north of Peterson Avenue (West Rogers Park).

Kimberly Jackson-Swift, Chicago: My favorite scene comes from the movie "The Untouchables." The scene is the apartment that belongs to the character that Sean Connery portrays. That was on the 1st floor at 4600 S. Calumet Ave. I grew up in the apartment directly above it on the 2nd floor (1964-1972). To watch it on the movie screen was like being in my old apartment again. My grandmother also raised her children, including my mother, in that apartment. The movie was released in 1987, and that building was torn down not long after.

Laura Marie Sanchez, Chicago: "In the Good Old Summertime," with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. Most of it was shot in the MGM studio, of course, but right in the beginning, post-credits, with a Van Johnson voice-over, there's a pan of the Gold Coast skyline from what looks like the north side of Navy Pier or else Oak Street Beach. It's a long shot, and it's pretty brief, but you can see the old houses on [Lake Shore Drive] in the foreground and the old apartment buildings from the 1920s, and no glass and steel anywhere.

Marge Ludwig, Chicago: There are many great Chicago shots in "North by Northwest" (1959). Our family's favorite is at Union Station when Cary Grant is eluding the bad guys and the police with Eva Marie Saint helping him. In the scene where red caps are being searched, my husband's father, uncle and cousins are extras. When videos first came out, "North by Northwest" was the first one we bought so that we could stop the action and actually see them. We still all cheer when we see them. My father-in-law, Fred Ludwig, and Uncle Bob White (lovely men, both of them) are gone now. It just kind of stops your heart for a second.

Charles Kass, Chicago: "Three the Hard Way" (1974) features Jim Brown and Fred Williamson running down Wells Street in Old Town. You can see some of the long-gone storefronts, including the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, which was a favorite tourist spot in the '60s. "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" (1977) shows Diane Keaton walking down Rush Street past Downtown Records, which was an all-night record store at 923 N. Rush St., which is now home to the Diesel store. It also shows her dancing at Carol's Speakeasy, which was located on Wells and Schiller Streets. "Mickey One" (1965), with Warren Beatty, has many great Chicago locations that are long gone. The old Madison and Rush Street taverns and pool halls are featured heavily, as is a great scene filmed at Marina City towers.

Charley Nelson, Chicago: "Candyman" (1992). Much of this horror-thriller was filmed on the campus of UIC before its award-winning architecture was dismantled in 1993. "Candyman" gives a nice aerial look at a part of the city that seems to have changed dramatically every 30 years or so.

Maurice Sone, Chicago: "Above the Law" (1988). Maybe not the best movie, but probably Steven Seagal's best. ... I particularly like the shots in Bucktown-Wicker Park along Milwaukee Avenue. The intersection of Milwaukee/North/Damen was still gritty back then. Also, great use of the old South Water produce market. We actually see neighborhoods and back yards!